2 THE NAVY OCEAN ENGINEERING PROGRAM 



In recognition of the magnitude and importance of the Navy Oceano- 

 graphic Program, and to assure program integration, the Secretary of the 

 Navy in 1966 estabUshed the Office of the Oceanographer of the Navy, 

 who is directly responsible to the Chief of Naval Operations. The 

 Oceanographer of the Navy acts as the Navy Oceanographic Program 

 Director for the Chief of Naval Operations, under the poHcy direction of 

 the Secretary of the Navy, through the Assistant Secretary of the Navy 

 (Research and Development). 



PURPOSE OF NAVY OCEANOGRAPHY 



Within the Navy, the oceanographic program encompasses that body of 

 science, engineering, and operations, and the personnel and facilities asso- 

 ciated with them, required to explore and to lay the basis for exploitation 

 of the ocean and its boundaries for national defense and other national 

 objectives. The urgent need for worldwide knowledge of the operational 

 environment of its forces, and the variety of operations affected by one or 

 another facet of that environment, impel the Navy to support studies in 

 every major oceanic area. Marine engineering and technological develop- 

 ment, and theoretical and laboratory studies, complement these field inves- 

 tigations and are equally comprehensive. In addition to efforts in support 

 of the fleet and other defense forces, the Navy must meet responsibilities 

 in the area of search, rescue, salvage, and ocean charting. 



The basic policy of the Navy is to provide the capability for the Depart- 

 ment of Defense to fulfill its assigned mission of maintaining the security 

 of the nation. The prime objective, then, is to increase the effectiveness 

 of present operations. In fulfilHng this objective, highly diverse oceano- 

 graphic efforts are carried out through industry, Navy laboratories, uni- 

 versities, and nonprofit institutions. 



RELATIONSHIP TO THE 

 NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHIC PROGRAM 



The Navy Oceanographic Program is an important element (about half) 

 of the national oceanographic program, which includes the marine science 

 programs of all federal agencies under the coordination of the President, 

 with the advice and assistance of the National Council on Marine Re- 

 sources and Engineering Development. Navy participation in the national 



